Oct. 7 Tidbits

HAVANA GOOD TIME — Fall foliage season is now upon us, meaning that the second wave of tourists from near and far are descending upon Maine’s most picturesque areas. No. 1 on many people’s lists is Mount Desert Island, and while some of the area’s restaurants close up shop after Labor Day, a number remain open for hungry leaf-peepers. Havana, the Bar Harbor establishment known for its unique take on Latin American food, will offer two special events this month. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Havana will offer its third annual producer’s dinner, a yearly event spotlighting farmers and growers from Down East Maine. All food served is harvested from within 100 miles of Bar Harbor, and the dinner is $69 plus tax and gratuity. To make a reservation, call 288-CUBA. Also at Havana, get into the Halloween spirit with a Spicy Hot Cuba Halloween dinner on Saturday, Oct. 31. Creative attire with an emphasis on red and other feisty colors is encouraged, and food served will be extra spicy, with a Cuban flair. For more information, visit www.havanamaine.com.

FLING A PIE IN CANCER’S FACE — Amy Rothe, Cindy Stewart and Becky King, proprietors of the Hancock home decor and art shop Sage and Twine, have all the reason in the world to throw a party to benefit cancer victims. King’s mother, Donna “Stella” Greene, passed away from ovarian cancer last year, and in her honor Rothe, Stewart and King are throwing the second annual Stella’s Pie Party at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the store at 1386 Route 1, across from Hancock Grocery. Pie makers professional and amateur will bring a vast array of baked treats, and with a $10 donation, participants can sample all of them. Proceeds go to the Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth and the Maine Cancer Foundation. For more info, visit www.sageandtwine.com.

NOT TOPLESS, BUT MEATLESS — Love them or hate them, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals knows how to drum up publicity. Last week, PETA named its member-approved list of the Sexiest Vegetarians Over 50. The winner for the female category was Mimi Kirk, 70, of Ramona, Calif. Kirk has been vegetarian since she was 30, and has convinced several family members and friends to go vegetarian over the years. When asked if she thinks it’s sexy to be vegetarian, Mimi said, “Well, yes, it’s sexy. To be 70 and still [wearing] a little jean miniskirt … you bet I feel sexy. Sexy at 70.” The male winner was Julian Winter of Framingham, Mass., who at 51 has been vegetarian for 33 years. As a teen, he was involved in a hunting accident that changed his life forever. After being accidentally shot by a hunter, he developed empathy for animals killed for food. Judging by Kirk’s and Winter’s pictures, vegetarianism certainly has its age-defying benefits.

THE LAST SUPPER — On a sad note — after 68 years, Conde Nast will cease to publish Gourmet magazine. The closure comes as a surprise to both foodies and publishing industry analysts, due to its high regard as a bastion of culinary journalism. Slumps in both advertising and readership contributed to the decision. The last issue of Gourmet will be published in November.